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Removing a Bartholin Gland Cyst

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Removal (excision) of a
Bartholin gland cyst is a minor surgical procedure.
Because the
vulva has an extensive blood supply, removing a
Bartholin gland cyst can cause bleeding. This is best treated in a surgical
setting.

In a surgery center, you will be given whatever numbing and calming
medicine you need for the procedure. If the cyst is painful, your doctor
probably will recommend a
general anesthetic to put you to sleep.

Removing the entire cyst sac, which is
the membrane that contains the cyst.

In rare cases, the entire Bartholin gland and duct are removed. This
is often recommended for
postmenopausal women with Bartholin gland problems
because of the risk of cancer, which increases with age. But simply
draining a Bartholin cyst and testing the cyst tissue for cancer is also a
reasonable first-time treatment.

To lower your risk of infection, do not have sexual intercourse until
the area is completely healed. This can take several weeks.

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